The new container handling facility in Altona is another demonstration of the Victorian Government’s continued commitment to working with the private sector to develop the Metropolitan Intermodal System, aimed at reducing bottlenecks and traffic congestion around Melbourne’s port precinct by connecting the port to major freight hubs by the existing rail network.
According to the media release by the Premier of Victoria, the new Maersk container handling facility in Altona will improve efficiency in Victoria’s shipping, freight and logistics industry and generate up to 35 full-time positions.
“I’m delighted to officially open the Maersk container handling facility at Altona, which will maintain up to 35 full time employees onsite with several hundred employees servicing the facility each day,” said Minister for Ports David Hodgett at yesterday’s official opening.
“The private sector’s crucial role in Victoria’s freight industry can be seen in projects like this one, and we welcome an international company like Maersk building an increased presence here. The new Maersk container handling facility will have direct internal access to the Altona intermodal rail terminal, allowing for movement of containers to and from the Melbourne intermodal rail terminal at the port.”
The new facility has a 20,000 litre container wash bay facility; a modern, fully equipped 2500 square metres container repair workshop facility and a 1500 square meter container survey area; and a fully sealed yard of 43,000 square metres allowing for handling of both import and export containers.
Both importers and exporters will reap numerous benefits from the new facility.
“This is great news for the freight and shipping industry and supports the key strategic aim of Victoria’s Freight and Logistics Plan to improve freight efficiency, grow productivity and better connect Victorian businesses with their markets,” Mr Hodgett said.
“The move to Salta’s Altona intermodal terminal will improve access for customers and provide the opportunity to move large volume containers into and out of the Port of Melbourne by rail. The local community will benefit from Maersk’s relocation to the Altona intermodal terminal by significantly reducing traffic volumes and congestion in the built up Francis Street, Yarraville precinct.”
The Metropolitan Intermodal System received $20 million from the Victorian Coalition Government and $38 million from the Commonwealth Government in this year’s budget cycle.
